Which of the following describes a relationship between leptin and energy balance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that regulates energy balance by suppressing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. Blood levels of leptin usually correlate directly with body fat, meaning that as body fat increases, so does leptin production. This helps to regulate energy balance by signaling the brain to reduce hunger and increase metabolism. However, leptin sensitivity can decrease in obesity, leading to a blunted response to its regulatory effects. Therefore, choice A is incorrect because fat cell sensitivity to leptin is actually lower in obese people. Choice B is also incorrect because a deficiency of leptin is rare and only seen in very specific genetic disorders; it is not characteristic of all obese people. Choice D is incorrect because the major functions of leptin include the opposite effects: decreasing hunger and increasing metabolism. Finally, choice E is partially incorrect because while leptin levels do not correlate with body fat in extremely low masses (e.g. anorexia), they still do in normal to high body masses.

Which of the Following Describes a Relationship Between Leptin and Energy